On February 8, 2025, thousands gathered in Paris for the #ParisFreeIranRally to voice their unwavering support for a free, democratic Iran. The rally, themed “No to Monarchy, No to Theocracy—Yes to a Democratic Republic!”, brought together prominent international figures and Iranian activists united in their call for the end of the oppressive mullahs’ regime and the establishment of a democratic republic.
Speakers at the rally emphasized the urgent need for global solidarity with the Iranian people and reiterated their support for Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, a roadmap to freedom, democracy, and equality in Iran. Below are the powerful highlights from the speeches delivered at this historic gathering.
Azadeh Alemi
Azadeh Alemi opened the rally with a call to the international community:
“This regime will fall. Don’t tie your future to them. Recognize the youth’s right to defend against the IRGC.”
Alemi highlighted the growing momentum of the Iranian youth and the significance of Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan as a pathway to freedom and democracy. She urged the world to recognize the Iranian people’s right to resist and overthrow the oppressive regime.
Jean-François Legaret
Jean-François Legaret expressed optimism for Iran’s future, declaring:
“Today, we have hope for freeing Iran from dictatorship. Hail to all those who are fighting for freedom.”
Legaret drew parallels between the downfall of the Shah 46 years ago and the imminent collapse of the mullahs’ regime, emphasizing the destabilization of the region caused by Tehran’s allies and proxies. He stressed that the mullahs’ regime is “more fragile than ever” and reminded everyone that no dictatorship can stand against the will of the people.
He rallied the crowd around Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, calling it a clear vision for a free and democratic republic in Iran.
Guy Verhofstadt
Guy Verhofstadt declared 2025 a turning point for Iran, proclaiming:
“This year will be the year of change in Iran, for freedom from the mullahs’ dictatorship.”
He condemned the regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and called for the end of appeasement policies. Verhofstadt outlined three key steps for the international community:
- End appeasement and adopt a courageous stance in support of the Iranian people.
- Reinstate the six UNSC sanctions on the regime.
- Designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
“Democrats across the world are fighting against evil,” Verhofstadt said, urging recognition of the Iranian Resistance as the true representatives of the Iranian people.
Ingrid Betancourt
Ingrid Betancourt delivered a heartfelt speech, describing the rally as a global fight for freedom:
“We are the voice of Iranians who for years have told us they will not surrender and will accept nothing short of the overthrow of the mullahs’ regime.”
She condemned the regime’s use of hostages as bargaining chips and its crimes against death row prisoners. Betancourt honored the bravery of Iran’s Resistance Units, declaring:
“Freedom will always win. We will reunite in Iran and celebrate our contribution to its freedom.”
Jacques Boutault
Jacques Boutault, representing mayors across France, decried the regime’s horrifying human rights abuses:
“The Iranian regime is responsible for 74% of global executions in 2023, and in 2024, it executed more than 1,000 people.”
He called for the prosecution of Khamenei and other officials implicated in these crimes, aligning with Maryam Rajavi’s vision to abolish the death penalty as outlined in her Ten-Point Plan.
Mahnaz Salimian
Mahnaz Salimian reaffirmed the inevitability of the regime’s downfall:
“The fiery rage of the people that overthrew the Shah’s dictatorship in 1979 will undoubtedly send the clerical regime to the dustbin of history.”
She praised the growing campaign of Iran’s Resistance Units and echoed the cry:
“Khamenei, you bloodthirsty tyrant, we will bury you!”
Zinat Mirhashemi
Zinat Mirhashemi linked the courage of today’s resistance fighters to the 1979 Revolution:
“As long as there is dictatorship, the movement to overthrow it will also be in place.”
She called on the people of Iran to believe in their right to freedom and their ability to build a democratic and just society.
Kak Baba Sheikh Hosseini
Kak Baba Sheikh Hosseini, representing the Kurdish resistance, emphasized unity in the fight for a free Iran:
“In a free Iran, there will be no room for the shah or the mullahs’ dictatorships.”
He highlighted the role of the Kurdish people and the PMOI in resisting the regime and building solidarity to establish a democratic and secular republic.
Rebecca Malihi
Rebecca Malihi honored the endurance of Iran’s resistance movement:
“No one can take away the ideal of freedom from our people.”
She praised the leadership of Massoud and Maryam Rajavi, the sacrifices of the PMOI, and the bravery of countless martyrs and prisoners who inspire the continued fight for Iran’s freedom.
Arash Marandi
Arash Marandi rejected all oppressive regimes in Iran’s history:
“For years, the people of Iran have faced two oppressive regimes—under the Shah and under Khomeini.”
He celebrated the resilience of Iran’s Resistance Units and declared:
“After 46 years of struggle and sacrifice, we have everything we need to achieve victory.”
Sina Dashti
Sina Dashti invoked the spirit of the 1979 Revolution:
“The 1979 Revolution is neither dead nor buried.”
He drew comparisons to other historic revolutions and emphasized the PMOI’s reliance on the strength of the Iranian people and their heroic sacrifices to secure freedom.
Milica Javdan
Milica Javdan connected the current uprising to Iran’s proud history of anti-colonial resistance, saying:
“The Iranian people’s new revolution is the continuation of the anti-monarchist revolution and the great anti-colonial movement of Mohammad Mossadegh.”
She saluted the leadership of Massoud and Maryam Rajavi and celebrated the Resistance’s growing momentum toward the regime’s collapse.
Christine Arrighi
Christine Arrighi reminded the crowd of history’s lessons:
“All dictatorships will one day collapse. They collapse from inside, from the pressure of the world, and from the resistance of people like you.”
She expressed hope that Iran would soon achieve the democracy its people deserve.
Mona Forouzandeh
Mona Forouzandeh honored the sacrifices of Iran’s youth, from the 2022 protests to today’s Resistance Units:
“The young generation of Iran will uproot both the Shah and the mullahs forever. This is our pledge to the people of Iran!”
Arvin Habibi
Arvin Habibi closed the rally with a tribute to the heroes of the resistance:
“The light of the resistance units—heroes who fearlessly embrace death for Iran’s freedom—shines brightly today.”
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to Maryam Rajavi’s Ten-Point Plan, declaring it the blueprint for a democratic, prosperous, and just Iran.
The rally ended with chants of “Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Leader!” and “Freedom for Iran!”. The speakers and attendees pledged their continued solidarity with the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and democracy.
The message was clear: the Iranian people will not rest until they achieve their rightful place among the free nations of the world.
